Green light for £10.5 million Exeter University refurbishment project

A major upgrade to research and learning facilities at Exeter University’s St Luke’s Campus will soon begin, after full planning permission and internal funding were both granted. Local contractor, Midas Construction, is expected to start work on a £10.5 million refurbishment of South Cloisters later this month.

The work will see new storey added to the building and a four storey extension constructed. The project is being driven by projected growth at the Medical School, and the new facilities will benefit all activity at St Luke’s. It will mean new, centrally-bookable teaching and learning space and high-quality study areas available to all students.

Hugh McCann, Director of Estate Development at the University of Exeter, said:

“This is an extremely exciting project, which demonstrates the University’s ongoing commitment to providing the best possible student experience at St Luke’s. We will work closely alongside Midas, Campus users and local residents to ensure we keep everyone informed and minimise disruption. This significant investment will prove a real asset to all activities across the Campus.”

Alan Hope, Chief Executive for Midas Group, said:

“We are delighted to be Exeter University’s preferred contractor to develop the St Luke’s Campus site. As a company based in Exeter it is fantastic to be part of the University’s expansion plans, it is also good news for local employment and sub-contractors in the area.”

Midas Group is one of the UK’s largest independent construction and property services providers. The company is expected to deliver the student study space, above Cloisters Café, ready for it to open during the Autumn term 2014.

Professor Steve Thornton, Dean of the University of Exeter Medical School, said:

“I’m absolutely delighted that this refurbishment will soon be under way. It will help to accommodate our plans for growth and will provide a modern facility for medical research, and for teaching and learning across all Colleges.”

The research areas are expected to open in February 2015, and the new teaching space, in the four storey extension, is scheduled to open in September 2015.

Parking at St Luke’s will not be affected by the works. Cloisters Café will remain open and games will continue as usual on the lawn.

For more information on this project, visit the website, where you can also find answers to some FAQs. If you have any questions or feedback, now or throughout the works, please visit: www.exeter.ac.uk/stlukesfeedback.